Govt to build new houses for displaced Christchurch families

Forty new houses to provide temporary accommodation for displaced Christchurch families will be built in the eastern suburbs and later sold as affordable housing, the Government has announced.

Housing Minister Nick Smith said the houses, costing a total of $12.5 million, will be built at Rangers Park subdivision and will help families displaced during the rebuild phase.

Dr Smith said the houses would enable people to maintain their work, school and community links in their local area while their repairs and rebuilds are being carried out.

Two-, three- and four-bedroom homes will be built in addition to the existing 83 units at Linwood Park, Kaiapoi Domain and Rawhiti Domain which are part of the Government's temporary accommodation service.

More than 300 Canterbury households have already been supported so far through this initiative.

``This development is different to the three existing temporary villages, in that they will be new, permanent homes that will be sold once demand for temporary accommodation has lessened.''

Dr Smith said it was part of revitalising the eastern suburbs, while adding 40 houses to the affordable housing market.

The new homes will be built by Hawkins Construction starting this month, and will be completed in November.